As was stated some time ago, the commissioners are attempting to revive our commissioner’s corner publication.
The first thing we would like to address is the negativity being spread throughout our county by certain individuals. It is very easy to spread these inflammatory remarks whether they are based on facts or a person’s opinion. We feel compelled to respond to this negativity. We would call to everyone’s attention a recent article published in a local newspaper (Feb. 22, Licking News) regarding economic development authored by Keith Ford. We encourage everyone to read this untrue and misleading article. The facts of the matter are the Texas County commissioners are very active in locating and pursuing any business that shows the slightest interest in placing a business in our county.
The following is a small sample of our involvement and activity as it pertains to our county’s economic development. As a matter of record Texas County issues between 350/400 business license annually, Dent County annually issues 225, Wright County annually issues approximately 100 and Shannon County has not responded.
1. Start off with GAMO USA, a commissioner traveled to South Florida (at no charge to the county) and spoke to management before the business located in Texas County. A local individual was selected to head up the organization in Houston.
2. More recent Dairy Farmers of America in Cabool. The Texas County commissioners, along with the local municipality, took active roles in both the above industries located in our county.
3. L & R Industries, another Cabool business expansion through local municipalities and the commission and their respective association with other government entities were able to assist in this expansion.
4. A truck driving school in Cabool, your local government involvement assisted in the business.
5. A diesel mechanic shop in Cabool, your local government was involved in this business locating in our county.
The City of Houston has an economic development director.
The City of Licking has a person that shares this economic development responsibility.
The City of Cabool has a person involved with economic development for their area.
There is no need to start a group as several are in existence currently.
It is abundantly clear economic development is a constant issue we strive to address.
Again it is abundantly clear Mr. Ford has a personal/political agenda in his attempt to discredit the efforts that are constantly in motion to develop leads and follow up of various businesses that show an interest in Texas County. We strongly uphold Mr. Ford’s First Amendment right but respectfully would request more research and factual reporting. There are several inherent issues that we are always asked about and without some changes to our local infrastructure we will always have difficulties competing with other areas. According to a recent study conducted by University of Missouri Extension and Missouri small business and technology development center published February 2018 we have 183 small business within a five-mile radius of Cabool.
We have in our local community a local media group that promotes advertising for our neighboring counties.
This helps send your local business to other folks rather than spending our money with local county businesses. Texas County has local sports teams; however, our neighboring county school sports functions are broadcast over our local media source.
Another item for discussion that falls into the most frequently asked question: In recent months we have received calls as it pertains to local township board members doing work in their respective townships. By statute board members are allowed to earn up to $5,000 annually in addition to the $50 per month they receive for attending and conducting their township meetings. Please see RSMo105.454 (3). Each township has their own governing body and is responsible for their decisions respectfully.
A letter of support was sent to Shannon County in support of their opposition to the Park Service Road and Trail Plan. This plan would have allowed some county roads to be closed. We support property rights.
On our assessment forms that are mailed out and returned to our assessor we would ask everyone to double-check their returns. This could eliminate errors and delays when license plate renewal time rolls around. If you do omit an item from our personal property list and have to come by the Administrative Center to have it corrected there may be some delay. We would ask for your patience in getting these issues resolved.
We have an election in April this year. One issue placed before the voters will be a use tax (Internet sales tax). If anyone has any questions please let us know, we will try to answer your questions or find the answer to your inquiry.
An update from the Sustainable Ozarks Partnership: A new program has been announced by the State of Missouri and Fort Leonard Wood that will help prepare soldiers for civilian employment through first-class apprenticeships, on-the-job training, job shadowing, internships and employment-skills training. Not only is this great for our nation’s service members, their families and the Army, but it will also let transitioning soldiers know that there’s a place for them in the Fort Leonard Wood region and Missouri upon their leaving the military. The Missouri Division of Workforce Development has added a new position at Fort Leonard Wood to support the Army’s Career Skills Program.
Discussions are underway for 2018 Government Week. This program introduces students in our schools to observe firsthand a thumbnail sketch of how their local county government works. This includes our judicial system at the Justice Center.
We applaud all of our seniors as they embark on their individual life journeys. We thank the parents, teachers for all their guidance, persistence in making this milestone possibility a reality. Commissioner John Casey traveled to Jefferson City for a legislative session. Casey represents the 16th District of counties in Missouri.
Our regular session is Wednesdays with follow-up Thursday for any overflow.
COMMISSIONERS FRED STENGER, JOHN CASEY AND DOYLE HEINEY